Niger’s Foreign Minister, Bakary Yaou Sangare, has spearheaded a series of meetings aimed at defining the nation’s new foreign policy strategy, which will be firmly anchored in the principles of sovereignty and equality among states.
Minister Sangare presented this revised diplomatic direction on Wednesday, April 23rd, in Niamey during a significant meeting convened with the diplomatic corps accredited to Niger.
This initiative, held at the Ministry’s Mahaman Sani Bako Auditorium, marks the commencement of a series of crucial discussions intended to thoroughly inform international partners about the key aspects of Niger’s ongoing political transition. This transition began on July 26, 2023, with the establishment of the National Council for the Safeguarding of the Homeland (CNSP). Moustapha Abdou, the Director General of Political and Legal Affairs at the Ministry of the Interior, opened the session by providing a comprehensive overview of the current national context. His presentation addressed the prevailing political and security challenges facing Niger, as well as the key outcomes of the February 2025 National Conference, which was presented as a pivotal milestone in the nation’s reconstruction process.
Taking the floor, Foreign Minister Bakary Yaou Sangaré articulated the Nigerien authorities’ strong desire to fundamentally break away from previous diplomatic patterns. He emphasized Niger’s unwavering commitment to what he termed a “committed reconquest” of its national sovereignty. Minister Sangaré reiterated that the sanctions imposed by ECOWAS, the suspensions of international cooperation, and various external pressures have not altered the strategic trajectory defined by the CNSP, which he asserted enjoys the support of a significant majority of the Nigerien population. The head of Niger’s diplomacy also highlighted the country’s proactive efforts to strategically diversify its international partnerships. In this context, he specifically cited the creation of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) in September 2023, followed by the establishment of the Confederation of Sahel States (CES) in July 2024. He explained that these regional frameworks reflect Niger’s strong desire to foster cooperation based on principles of mutual solidarity and strategic autonomy within the Sahel region.
Under the leadership of President General Abdourahmane Tiani and Prime Minister Ali Mahamane Lamine Zeine, Niger now intends to forge international partnerships that are guided by the fundamental principles of mutual respect, genuine reciprocity, and the resolute defense of national dignity.
For his part, Minister of Justice Alio Daouda underscored the critical need for balanced and equitable relations between states, explicitly rejecting any form of external interference in Niger’s internal affairs. He reaffirmed Niger’s openness to constructive dialogue and mutually beneficial cooperation with the international community, but always in strict compliance with the tenets of international law and its existing multilateral commitments.
The informative meeting concluded with interactive discussions between the Nigerien authorities and the assembled diplomatic representatives. Several diplomats present welcomed the clarity of the outlined remarks, while also raising pertinent questions regarding the concrete implementation of the newly articulated foreign policy guidelines. The Nigerien authorities, in response, reiterated their firm commitment to moving forward towards a new era of renewed, transparent, and mutually beneficial partnerships with the international community, based on the principles of sovereignty and equality.
AC/Sf/fss/abj/APA